Adobe, Macromedia marriage in focus

Microsoft faces major opposition.

The proposed $3.4 billion marriage between Adobe and Macromedia may pit the combined company squarely against Microsoft.

At issue in the coming war sits control of tools to create, distribute and manage content online, argues the Associated Press.

The move to combine control of the ubiquitous Acrobat and Flash formats under the new Adobe may frustrate Microsoft's plans to move beyond the PC market.

All about growth

Speaking during yesterday's announcement call regarding the news, Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen said: ""This is all about growth. We're doing this because we believe the combined offerings will be even more compelling to our customers given the challenges they're going to face in trying to communicate information in this very complex environment."

Adobe executives also said that the two companies see themselves now as twins, "separated at birth". "Now we are coming together," Chizen explained.

Developer concerns

Macromedia developers are concerned that the new combined companies may not focus on Macromedia's developer-focused products.

Jesse Ezell who is a software architect with Activehead told CNet News.com: "Adobe is a designer-focused company, and designers have a much different set of requirements than developers. Macromedia has tried to capture more developers, but will Adobe keep that focus?"

Macromedia and Adobe maintain that the deal will help the two firms offer "better service" to customers.

Other developers hope Adobe chooses to lose GoLive in favour of Dreamweaver. Adobe will not commit to a product road map at this stage.